Today I had my third exam in the span of two weeks, but thanks to the great response for the last chapter here I am posting this chappie;) So, I came across a quote from Plum Spooky and a chapter one excerpt for 'Notorious Nineteen' that sparked my S&R muse.
Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.
There was a time when I thought Ranger didn't qualify as boyfriend, much less for the matrimony department. But I was wrong.
Very wrong.
And it's the little moments that reminded me of how wrong I'd been.
Ranger stood in line, waiting for the cashier to finish scanning the items. He was completely unaware of the stares he received for the maxi pads mingled with the groceries.
"Hey." I saddled up next to Ranger, barely squeezing by the round man standing behind him. I told him Julie was going around to meet us at the door.
I took the receipt and stuffed it in his front pocket. His cargo pants molded perfectly to his body and I got a nice brush of toned thigh in before I extracted my hand. He didn't even bat an eye. It seems I grope him more frequently than I realize.
After loading the bags in the trunk, I drove us back to my apartment. Ranger grabbed a handful of bags, giving me a pointed look to leave them alone.
I got the maxi pads along with a packet of toilet paper and napkins. "Satisfied?" I asked, trailing behind him.
Julie didn't bother to help put groceries away, grabbing the maxi pads and disappearing from the kitchen.
I left the loaf of bread along with other sandwich making musts out for lunch. I was undecided between a peanut butter and olive sandwich and a turkey one. Since I'm eating for two now, I made both.
"What?" I said, munching on my first bite of the peanut-butter-and-olive-which.
"Babe." Ranger grimaced. I guess he was trying to picture what bizarre cravings I'll be having pretty soon.
S&R
Menstrual cramps and Julie don't go together, making her moody all afternoon.
After dinner we settled in front of the TV to watch a movie. It was Julie's pick, so we ended up watching a horror flick. The plot wasn't very developed and it soon lost my interest.
I was sitting on the couch, not really following the 'suspense' on screen when Ranger's head landed on my lap. Automatically, my right hand came to rest on his right shoulder. I'm not sure what caused the action. We're not usually this cuddly on the couch.
By the time the movie reached its end, my fingers were running through Ranger's silky hair and massaging his scalp. I was pretty sure he was asleep, but it wasn't until he shifted slightly that I was able to see his face. I stared at him, smiling at his sleep-softened expression. This strong, beautiful man trusts ME with not only his life, but his feelings too. I grinned foolishly, knowing how smitten I am.
I remoted the TV off, my living room engulfed by darkness. Julie had set up the inflatable mattress before the movie started. Good call, because she was already in a deep sleep. Since everyone else was already in dreamland, I leaned back against the back of the couch and did the same.
I was startled awake when someone touched my face. It was Ranger, coaxing me to follow him to bed. I didn't even bother changing, going back to sleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Early morning came too quickly in my opinion, sounds of a Sunday morning penetrating my sleep. A sole finger poked my arm, prompting me to open my eyes. Julie stood by my side of the bed, freshly showered.
"Yeah?" I whispered, knowing Ranger was asleep. The teen cut her eyes towards Ranger before leaning closer and whispering in my ear that she had a night-time accident.
"Is there a laundry room?" I nodded that there was, but I'm pretty sure Trolls live there. I started to push the sheet away from my body, until I realized I wasn't wearing any pants. I told the teen to give me a few moments to finish waking up.
I got up, rounding the bed in only my panties a tee. Even with a cast Ranger is very good with his hands.
I went around making sure I collected all the dirty articles of clothing. I left a note for Ranger before heading out to the Laundromat a couple blocks away.
S&R
Julie and I had breakfast while the clothes were drying. I'd left a note for Ranger, but I was still surprised that by ten o'clock he didn't call. It seemed a little too late for him to still be asleep. As soon as we were done folding the clothes we headed back to my apartment building.
I dragged the laundry hamper across the lobby, pushing the button to call the elevator. As we waited, the only other woman in the building close to my age, who only speaks Spanish, came in. She was cradling a gurgling little boy. I didn't even notice when the elevator doors opened or that I was staring until Julie nudged me with her elbow.
"You gotta touch the baby." Julie said, making a move to drag the laundry hamper into the elevator.
"Uh…why?" I asked, giving the hamper a shove in the right direction.
"Because you're staring." The teen stated as if this were obvious. I held the elevator so the woman wouldn't have to wait or use the stairs.
"Gracias." She said, letting out a puff of air. The little boy giggled.
I was entranced by the sound, cataloguing the boy's every gesture. A tiny hand tangled in my hair, bringing me out of my internal musings. We reached my floor and I waved as we piled out.
The apartment was empty. I guess it was inevitable. Sooner rather than later Ranger was going to go into the office and work.
I put the clothes away, taking the time to do some extensive cleaning. By the time both Julie and I took a break, it was lunch time. I helped Julie whip something up. Okay, I mostly watched. My taste buds gave it a ten plus.
I was rinsing our plates when my front door opened. Ranger approached me, looking like he had something to say. I leaned in for a quick peck on the lips, waiting him out. But before he could start a conversation, his cell phone rang.
"Yo." He said, pausing to listen to whoever was on the other end of the call. He really needs to work on his phone skills, but I love him anyway. A beat later, he passed the phone to Julie
"Hi, mom." The teen grumbled. Somehow I don't think that's going to help their strained relationship any.
"Let's go for a walk?" Ranger asked when he already had us halfway to the front door. We took the stairs, my curiosity spiking at our middle of the day getaway.
"So, what's this about?" I looped an arm with his good one, leaning against him as we reached the lobby.
"I have something for you."
"Here? In the lobby?" I squeaked, sneaking a glance to make sure we were alone. It's one thing to be adventurous, but another to make love in a place where anyone could see.
"Babe." He tucked me a little closer to him, using his hip to push open the door leading to the sidewalk. Sticking together and staying under the scarce shade, we moved down the block. A knowing look passed between us. Yup, we have such a dirty mind sometimes.
"Okay, spill it." I poked his side to get him to show me what he got me. Don't get me wrong. I'm not materialistic, shoes don't count, but I'm really intrigued. I want to know what it is and I want to know now!
Without a word he produced something shinny from one of his pockets. A ring.
My mouth went dry. It's really happening. I'm going to get married with none other than Ranger, my man in shinny balck Rangeman issued armor.
I'm going to be his wife and he's going to be my husband.
My emotions got the best of me. I launched myself into his arms, more like his cast-free arm, fusing my lips with his.
It's been a long week for these two and it's about to get longer when Monday rolls around and people start skipping courtXD
